Gum Disease Therapy – Green Hills, TN

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Save Your Smile with Periodontal Therapy

Your teeth are not the only thing you need for a healthy smile. Your gums are equally important. The biggest threat to their health is an infection called periodontal (gum) disease. Although it is preventable, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates at least 50% of adults have a form of it. If it is not treated quickly, it can have devastating consequences for your oral and general health. Advanced Dental Health Center can save your smile with gum disease therapy in Green Hills.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an infection that develops in the tissue from bacteria found in plaque and tartar accumulations. You can significantly decrease your risk by maintaining your oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly for preventive care. Even with the best prevention, it can still occur.

During the first stage of the infection, known as gingivitis, it causes your gums to redden, swell, and bleed. At this point, it can be treated quickly without causing any long-term damage; however, if it progresses in severity, it destroys the supporting structures for your teeth.

Over time, this can lead to tooth loss while the bacteria can also enter your bloodstream. As it circulates throughout your body, it causes inflammation and infections. This increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, diabetic complications, and even Alzheimer’s disease.

Restore Your Gum Health

Your dentist in Green Hills creates the customized solutions you need to restore your gum health. Depending on the severity of the infection, your treatment may include one or more procedures.

Scaling and Root Planing: Also known as a deep cleaning, special dental instruments are used to remove tartar from below the gum line. The roots of the teeth are smoothed to prevent future buildup while allowing your tissue to adhere to your teeth.

Gum Grafting: When the roots of your teeth are exposed from gum recession, a grafting procedure restores the lost tissue. Healthy tissue is taken from another area in your mouth or from a donor and grafted to the treatment area.

Gum Contouring: Your gum line is reshaped to improve the aesthetics of your smile.

Laser Therapy: A soft tissue laser targets diseased tissue while cauterizing and sterilizing it as it cuts. This provides improved accuracy, a quicker recovery, and fewer risks when compared to methods used in the past.

Prosthodontics: If tooth loss has occurred as a result of the infection, your missing teeth need to be replaced. We find a solution that best meets your needs and your lifestyle, such as dental implants.

Maintain a Healthy Smile

After the health of your smile is restored, you will need maintenance appointments to prevent the infection from reoccurring about every 3 to 4 months. Besides cleaning your teeth in-office, there are several things you can do at home to protect your smile.

Brush your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

Floss every night before going to bed.

Stop smoking or using tobacco.

Limit your alcohol consumption.

Use an antibacterial or antimicrobial mouthrinse.

Do not let gum disease harm your mouth or body. Get the treatment you need at Advanced Dental Health Center. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.